A successful dog bite case depends on solid evidence and meticulous documentation. Experienced attorneys understand how to gather and preserve evidence and will work tirelessly to secure your best possible settlement.
The law entitles injured victims to compensation for their physical, emotional, and financial losses. However, determining how to calculate your damages correctly can be difficult.
Determining the Value of Your Case
The specifics of your case can vary significantly, but some general factors will influence the value of your settlement. These include the severity of your physical injuries, the amount of your medical expenses and lost earnings, your future losses, and the level of pain and suffering you endured.
Your attorney will also consider the dog owner’s insurance coverage to determine how much to request compensation. Depending on where you live, homeowner’s, renter’s, or auto policies may cover dog bite damages.
A skilled personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options and build a solid case to maximize your compensation. Handling your claim alone could be costly and reduce the chances of receiving a fair settlement. This is especially true in the case of dog bites. Insurance companies may try to settle your claim for less than it is worth. This is because they know that a jury could award you more than their policy limit.
Negotiating a Settlement
After determining your damages, your dog bite attorney will work hard to ensure that you receive fair compensation in your settlement. This includes compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
When negotiating, you must present compelling evidence to support your claims. This can include documentation of the injuries, medical records and bills, witness statements, photographs, video footage, and any other supporting materials.
During the claim process, it’s crucial to remain calm and respectful during negotiations. This will help convince the adjuster that you’re serious about your case and will make a great addition to their team.
Taking Your Case to Court
While you may be able to handle your dog bite injury claim independently, having an experienced attorney can help you build a strong case, negotiate with the insurance company, and advocate for a fair result in court. Attorneys typically handle personal injury cases, including dog bite claims, on a contingency fee basis. You only pay legal fees if they win your case.
The first hurdle in a dog bite injury case is getting the insurance adjuster to agree to pay your economic damages, like medical bills and lost wages. This is relatively easy if you have documentation to prove these losses, such as your employer’s receipts for out-of-pocket medical expenses and wage statements.
Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, are more difficult to calculate. However, it would help if you still documented your injuries and loss of enjoyment of life. For example, if you are left with severe facial scarring that makes it hard to find a job or date, you can ask for compensation for your mental distress and loss of quality of life.
Getting the Best Possible Settlement
Your attorney will work with you to calculate your total damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Your lawyer will also consider future damages, such as the cost of ongoing treatment or the inability to perform your normal daily activities due to lasting physical or mental injuries.
Your lawyer will review all available evidence in your case, including eyewitness testimony. They will gather documentation such as medical records and pay stubs to prove your losses.
During settlement negotiations, your attorney will use their knowledge of dog bite laws to negotiate a fair compensation amount. Your attorney will ensure you receive the total damages, including intangible losses. For example, psychological trauma resulting from the attack may necessitate long-term treatment. Your lawyer will also investigate whether the pet owner acted negligently by not controlling their animal, failing to leash it in public, or ignoring prior aggressive behavior from the dog.
